CERN is launching a new group management system (GMS), which has been developed with support from FAP and IT. The new system replaces the old Egroups platform, which will be retired over the coming months.
What’s changing?
You’ll be able to manage all your groups through a new web portal: https://groups-portal.web.cern.ch/
Be sure to update your bookmarks!
There’s no extra work for you – your existing groups and data will be automatically transferred to the new system between July and the end of September 2025. You will receive an email before the migration takes place. If you want to get ahead and move your groups to GMS early, please follow the guide.
A CSV import and export feature is provided for those who use Excel to manage their group members. We strongly encourage you to move to the simplified GMS format, as described in the CSV documentation.
For advanced users, there is a REST API interface that replaces the Egroups SOAP API. Migration from the Egroups SOAP API for write clients is expected by the end of September 2025, and for read clients by the end of September 2026.
Why change?
The new GMS is faster and easier to use. It’s directly linked to CERN’s Single Sign-On (SSO) authentication scheme, so any changes you make will take effect immediately. That means:
- New group members get access right away
- No more waiting for group updates to sync
- Better integration with mailing lists and Active Directory (coming soon!).
Just like physical infrastructure, IT systems age over time. GMS is a modern replacement that follows best practices, includes useful new features and reduces the risk of outages.
Need help?
If you have questions or run into any issues, support is available: Submit a request through CERN’s Service Portal.